Children with ADHD often don't get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood because the condition gets mistaken for unruly behavior. If you're an adult who's been experiencing ADHD symptoms since early childhood, board-certified psychiatrist Matthew Jacobs, DO, of Jacobi Care in Palo Alto, California, can help. Dr. Jacobs offers online telepsychiatry consultations for patients with ADHD to provide you with the therapies and medications you need. Find out how to access high-quality treatment for ADHD from the comfort of home by calling Jacobi Care today or booking an appointment online.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that starts in early childhood and often continues into adulthood. It's a developmental problem that affects your ability to focus and can make you behave carelessly.
While many children are fidgety and don't always pay attention, those with ADHD have such severe symptoms that they struggle to behave in ways other people find acceptable and find school a considerable challenge.
There are two aspects to ADHD:
Inattentive ADHD is when you lack concentration and organizational skills, don't hear when people call you or talk to you, and have an intense dislike of tasks requiring focus.
With inattentive ADHD, you probably exhibit a lack of attention to detail, make careless mistakes, lose things all the time, and have trouble remembering.
Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms include:
Many people have combined ADHD, where they display a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive behaviors. Dr. Jacobs has considerable experience in assessing people for ADHD.
Life can be a considerable challenge for anyone with ADHD who isn't getting expert treatment and support. You could have trouble maintaining relationships and holding down a job, and some people get involved with petty crime and substance abuse.
Because you find studying difficult, you might be unable to reach your true potential and have to work in various low-skilled jobs that don't require qualifications.
One of the most helpful treatments that Dr. Jacobs provides for people with ADHD is psychostimulant medication.
These drugs help to balance chemicals in your brain that stop you from focusing and make it hard to control your impulses. Medications that could ease your ADHD symptoms include:
Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), can help relieve the anxiety ADHD causes. Antidepressants can sometimes help to improve focus and reduce aggression and depression.
Another essential treatment for ADHD is behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy where Dr. Jacobs discusses your problems with you and shows you how to manage your behaviors more successfully.
This approach can be extremely helpful in combating the confusion and frustration people with ADHD often experience.
If you think you might be living with ADHD, you can talk to Dr. Jacobs securely through telehealth. Call Jacobi Care today to find out more or book an appointment online.